The Pittsburgh Steelers are most of the way through the first part of the offseasonleading up to the draft. Before we get there, we’re going totake stock of how the roster has evolved over the past several weeks. Position by position, we’ll break down who’s coming and going and what’s next for those rookies and those already here.
Position: Cornerback
Total Positional Figure: 10
Offseason Additions: 2
Offseason Deletions: 1
Players Retained:
Joey Porter Jr.: Porter established himself as the Steelers’ top cornerback by the middle of his rookie season. Now it’s time for them to pay him, however, and the price tag will be high. Despite his family ties, he won’t offer them any hometown discount. His penalty history and lack of splash plays, however, could keep his price down from the top of the market.
Asante Samuel Jr.: A career starter for the Chargers prior to a career-threatening neck injury, Asante Samuel gives the Steelers a veteran cornerback who has a chance to rebuild his career without the pressure—on either side—for him to perform. He came in last year in-season, first as a practice squad addition. Later, getting his beak wet, he still has to prove he is all the way back, but the Steelers aren’t relying on him.
Jalen Ramsey: It’s debatable whether the Steelers view Jalen Ramsey as a cornerback, but it’s still in his arsenal. Will he primarily play safety this year, or will his home be in the slot? It’s unlikely to be outside—in fact, given their other options, that wouldn’t even be wise. But if he can become a dynamic safety, it would be a huge boon for Pittsburgh.
Brandin Echols: Given all the Steelers’ moves at cornerback this offseason, Brandin Echols should expect to take a back seat. Not that it’s a scenario that’s new to him. Last year, he entered the season behind Porter, Ramsey, and Darius Slay. But he persisted, and eventually he played a pretty big role. While it would not be ideal, he could wind up in a similar role at some point in 2026.
Donte Kent: A seventh-round draft pick last year, Donte Kent is also a returner option in addition to cornerback. He spent his rookie season on the Reserve/Injured List, however, and has an uphill battle ahead of him.
Cory Trice Jr.: Senquez Golson pioneered the role of snakebitten Steelers cornerback, but at least Cory Trice Jr. has played before—and was only a seventh-round pick instead of a second-rounder. Trice does have an interception, but despite his great size, the best ability remains availability. Over three seasons, he has had that in, unfortunately, very short supply.
D’Shawn Jamison: A wily veteran, Jamison has some grit to him, which he showed on special teams last year. He was one of the cornerbacks the Steelers kept on the practice squad last season, and he is back for more.
Daequan Hardy: Hardy was another cornerback from the Steelers’ practice squad last season. He bounced on and off at different times, originally replacing Beanie Bishop Jr. He lacks ideal size, but he can make plays and is special-teams capable.
Players Added:
Jamel Dean: After Steelers fans’ initial shock of losing James Pierre, they signed a veteran cornerback to replace him. Jamel Dean is a proven veteran starter, the only real concern being his injury history. While he is getting up there in years, he still has enough legs to get through the next couple of seasons. He isn’t a long-term answer, though, so Pittsburgh has to prepare for that.
Doneiko Slaughter: One of the coolest names in football, Slaughter is an intriguing cornerback prospect for the Steelers. Signed to a Reserve/Future contract in late January, he has an uphill battle to make the team. But an all-new coaching staff (or just about) can only play to his favor.
Players Deleted:
James Pierre: Rather than retain the former special teams ace, the Steelers upgraded at cornerback with Jamel Dean. Pierre had a career year last season and made himself a viable defensive piece, no doubt. But nobody should argue that he is better than Dean, who you may not realize is also younger. And if it was a choice between Pierre and Asante Samuel, I think they made the right call there.
Notes And Draft Outlook:
While not a screaming need, the Steelers can’t afford to ignore the cornerback position in the draft. Some who cover the team, like Mike DeFabo, believe that they will address it at some point. They aren’t likely to target one in, say, the first round, but they have looked at a decent number of Day 2 prospects. The hope is for Joey Porter to be their long-term ace, but behind him, they only have temporary options.
Related Items:2026 NFL Draft, Asante Samuel Jr, Brandin Echols, Cory Trice Jr., D'Shawn Jamison, Daequan Hardy, Doneiko Slaughter, Donte Kent, Jalen Ramsey, Jamel Dean, James Pierre, Joey Porter Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers
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